North Carolina State Highway Patrol Aircraft Operations Familiarization

Student Performance Objectives Explain appropriate uses for the NC Highway Patrol aircraft. Explain safety practices which should be followed when working around aircraft.

Student Performance Objectives Explain the methods for requesting aNC Highway Patrol aircraft. Explain what information should be included in a mission request.

Requesting NCSHP Aircraft

Utilize their Chain of Command. Daytime –Contact Unit Commander. –Unit Commander notifies Aircrew. Nighttime –Contact the nearest SHP Communications Center. –Troop OD notifies SOS OD. Aircrew makes a safety assessment based on weather conditions. Requesting NCSHP Aircraft Allied Agencies

During Normal Business Hours: Aircraft Operations Unit Commander Lieutenant Todd Woodard Office – (919) Mobile – (919) After Hours: Any Highway Patrol Telecommunication Center Requesting NCSHP Aircraft Allied Agencies

Location –GPS is preferable –Format – hddd* mm.mmm’ Description –Clothing –Direction of travel –Medical Conditions Requesting NCSHP Aircraft Needed Information

Point of contact –Name –Radio call sign –Contact telephone number Radio Communications Procedures –VIPER System State Event Talkgroups Troop Mutual Aid Talkgroups Local County Mutual Aid Talkgroup Local County Law Talkgroup –Conventional Radio Receive Frequency Transmit Frequency PL Tone

Requesting NCSHP Aircraft Needed Information Does the suspect have a weapon? Is there a Landing Zone (LZ)? –Easily Accessible –Free of obstructions –Minimum size 100 foot x 100 foot –Firm surface –Free of agriculture rows for clearance

Note the clearance from ground

Requesting NCSHP Aircraft Needed Information Good examples: –Athletic fields –Blocked highways –Agricultural fields without crops

Helicopter Safety

Eye protection – Firearms Safety Glasses Hearing protection – Firearms Hearing Protection DO NOT approach helicopter unless a pilot signals you. ALWAYS approach helicopter from the sides, NEVER from the rear.

Helicopter Safety DO NOT smoke or run near aircraft. DO NOT approach from an upslope. Essential personnel must remain 100 feet away from the landing zone. Onlookers kept 200 feet away. Secure all headgear near spinning blades.

Questions?